Union Ratifies 5 Year Contract at Rayovac Fennimore Plant

MADISON, Wis., June 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Union employees at Rayovac's (NYSE: ROV) Fennimore, Wis. Plant ratified a five year contract today. The new contract calls for improvements in wages, benefits and the pension plan.

"Today's ratification is good for our employees, their families and the community as well as the Company," said Dave Jones, Rayovac Chairman and CEO. "The new long term contract (five years) creates a strong, stable manufacturing platform that will enable Rayovac to continue our aggressive and successful push to remain the fastest growing battery company in the U.S. and expand globally."

Low member turnout on June 8, resulted in a close vote that narrowly turned down the tentative agreement which had been unanimously recommended by the Teamsters Local 695 leadership and the Fennimore union employee bargaining committee. Today's ratification is attributed to an extensive joint educational effort by both parties that included employee meetings.

The Fennimore plant is Rayovac's largest facility and the principle manufacturing source of the company's flagship Maximum(R) alkaline batteries. Fennimore employs 534 employees of which 450 are represented by the Teamsters Union Local 695 of Madison. A strike has never occurred at the Fennimore plant.

Rayovac is the fastest growing battery company according to data supplied by A.C. Nielsen. Rayovac markets the number one selling rechargeable brand and is the world leader in hearing aid batteries with nearly a 60% worldwide market share.
SOURCE Rayovac
CONTACT: John Daggett of Rayovac, 608-275-4912